The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) welcomes the government’s £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, but cautions that without business rates reform and action on overseas imports, high street businesses will still face challenges.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed funding as part of its Pride in Place strategy. This includes a £301 million investment in High Streets Innovation Partnerships to support communities in reimagining and revitalising struggling town centres, potentially turning them into multi-purpose areas featuring new housing, health services, and community hubs. The government is also allocating £18 million to build or improve playgrounds in 66 of the country’s most disadvantaged communities.

Commenting is Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira

“We are pleased to see more funds being made available for high street revitalisation. We hope that the High Streets Innovation Partnerships are given the resources and the local leadership needed to truly bring high streets back to life. It will be important for this new initiative to engage meaningfully with the businesses on those high streets – they are the ones who understand what their communities need.

“Whilst we will always welcome extra investment in our high streets, the harsh reality is that for many high street businesses, the costs of running a shop are crippling any chance of long-term success. If high streets are to be fully revitalised, we need to see wholesale reform of business rates and decisive action to reduce the unfair competition from overseas imports. Imposing a handling fee on low-value imports could help level the playing field – and the revenue raised could be used to reform business rates once and for all.”

The Pride in Place strategy also includes plans for communities in its first phase to receive £20 million over 10 years to spend on local priorities. This is alongside five pilot projects testing a new model of pooled public spending, bringing together councils, the NHS and schools to tackle shared challenges rather than operating in silos. If successful, the government intends to roll this model out nationwide.

For further information on Bira, please click here.